The aim of this study was to analyze the degradation state of forest fragments applying seed rain as an indicator. Fragments (n = 5) in semideciduous forest, in Sorocaba, SP state, were studied from August to October, in 2007, and from January to December, in 2008, and seed traps were established in 11 plots (10 x 10 m). The material was separated and seeds and fruits were identified and classified based on dispersion syndrome and habit. Although fragments F4 and F5 showed high richness, diversity and equitability, there were dominance of herbaceous and anemochoric species. The highest proportion of seed rain was observed in F1, F2 and F4, with 36.8%, 26.8% and 17.8%, and F3 and F5, showed only 12.6% and 5.9%. The seed rain was seasonal and higher in the transition from dry to wet season, with 63% of total seed rain. The anemochory was the most representative syndrome (86%), that is more observed in open and degraded areas. The results indicated viability of the quantitative analysis of seed rain for monitoring the fragment restoration, being effective to detect environmental differences among fragments.
natural regeneration; restoration of degraded areas; dispersion syndromes
